PJALS Young Activist Leaders Program (YALP) offers workshops for skill-building and political education. Participants explore social justice with other Spokane-area young people who value equality, human rights, economic justice, and peace. This year, we are excited to welcome 3 new young leaders to our staff team as paid YALP interns. Take a moment to learn more about these up and coming change makers!

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Adalayda Rios (she/her)

Adalayda (she/her) is a junior at Rogers high school. She has lived in Spokane her entire life and comes from a Mexican-Colombian background. Adalayda describes herself as introverted, kind, and hardworking. She was connected with PJALS through her college and career advisor at school who told her about the YALP internship. One thing Adalayda looks forward to learning this year at YALP is how to organize effectively to initiate change around social issues in our community.

Hobbies she enjoys include reading, playing soccer, and spending time with friends and family. Adalayda’s favorite subject at school is either English or business and marketing.

Ellis (she/her) is currently a junior at Lewis and Clark High School and was born and raised in Spokane.
She has been passionate about social justice issues since a young age and views her YALP internship as a great outlet for learning and building community.

Ellis is looking forward to meeting more organizers and building a greater connection to Spokane organizers during her time as an intern.

She enjoys making art, playing guitar, and playing Fallout New Vegas with her sister.

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Ellis Benson (she/her)

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Pascal Bostic (they/them)

Pascal (they/them) is a first-year Digital Filmmaking student at SFCC. Their passion for art, communication, and learning alongside others has strengthened over the recent years.

They are most excited to learn about community organizing in a supportive and constructive environment.

Outside of their time in PJALS and the YALP program, Pascal enjoys to read, go on hikes, and cook their favorite meals.